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Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2026

📄 Introduction

Welcome to VirtuPet: Step Tracker! Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our app. By using VirtuPet: Step Tracker, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. This policy applies to all users regardless of location.

📱 Information We Collect

VirtuPet collects the following types of information:

  • Name: We collect your first name during setup to personalize your experience within the app. Your name is stored locally on your device.
  • Health Data: With your permission, we access step count data from Apple HealthKit to calculate your pet's health and track your daily progress.
  • Location Data: When using activity tracking, we access your location to track routes (stored locally) and to fetch weather conditions from Open-Meteo. Only coordinates are sent to Open-Meteo; no personal identifiers are included.
  • Photos: You may optionally attach photos to your activity records. Photos are stored locally on your device and are not transmitted to external servers.
  • Purchase Data: Transaction information is processed by Apple and RevenueCat; we do not store payment card details.

⚙️ How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

  • To provide and maintain our app's functionality
  • To calculate your pet's health based on your step count
  • To track and display your walking activities
  • To save your preferences and progress locally
  • To process in-app purchases and subscriptions
  • To improve our app and develop new features
  • To send optional push notifications you have consented to

🔐 Data Storage & Security

Your personal data is stored locally on your device using Apple's secure storage mechanisms. Health data accessed from Apple HealthKit remains on your device and is never transmitted to external servers. Location coordinates are sent to Open-Meteo solely to retrieve weather data; no personal identifiers are included. We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption to protect your information.

Data Retention

Your data is retained locally on your device for as long as you use the app. When you delete the app, all locally stored data is removed. Anonymous analytics data may be retained for up to 24 months for app improvement purposes. You can request deletion of any data we hold by contacting us at support@virtupet.app.

❤️ HealthKit Integration

VirtuPet integrates with Apple HealthKit to read your step count data. We only access the data you explicitly grant permission for. Health data is processed locally on your device and is never transmitted to external servers. You can revoke this access at any time through your device's Settings > Privacy > Health.

🤝 Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

  • Apple HealthKit: To access step count data (subject to Apple's Privacy Policy)
  • RevenueCat: To manage subscriptions and in-app purchases (subject to RevenueCat's Privacy Policy)
  • Apple App Store: For payment processing (subject to Apple's Terms)
  • Open-Meteo: For weather data based on general location coordinates

These services may collect information as described in their respective privacy policies. We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

💳 Purchases

In-app purchases are processed entirely through Apple's App Store and RevenueCat. We do not collect or store any payment card information. Purchase history is managed by Apple and linked to your Apple ID. RevenueCat processes transaction data to manage your subscription status.

Your Rights

Regardless of your location, you have the right to:

  • Access the data we collect about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Opt out of data collection at any time
  • Revoke health data access through iOS Settings > Privacy > Health
  • Withdraw consent for notifications through iOS Settings
  • Data portability where applicable

🌍 GDPR & CCPA Rights

For EU/EEA residents (GDPR): You have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing. Our legal basis for processing is your consent and legitimate interests in providing the service. You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

For California residents (CCPA): You have the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion, and opt-out of sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information. You have the right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@virtupet.app. We will respond within 30 days.

👶 Children's Privacy

VirtuPet is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at support@virtupet.app and we will delete such information promptly.

✈️ International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored locally on your device. Any anonymous analytics data that may be processed uses services that comply with applicable data protection laws. For EU users, any data transfers outside the EU are protected by appropriate safeguards including Standard Contractual Clauses where applicable.

📊 Analytics

We may collect anonymous usage analytics to improve the app experience. This data cannot be used to identify you personally and includes general usage patterns and crash reports. You can opt out of analytics through your device settings.

🔄 Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and in the app, and updating the "Last updated" date. For significant changes, we will provide notice through the app or via push notification if you have enabled them. Your continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

📧 Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your data rights, or have concerns about our data practices, please contact us at support@virtupet.app. We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.